On January 31, 2024, James (Jim) F. Pope will retire as the Senior Advisor to the President and Director of Lending of the Georgia United Methodist Foundation. Jim joined the Foundation in 2018 following a distinguished 40+-year career in banking.
“During his tenure, Jim partnered with Georgia Methodist churches and nonprofits wishing to refinance debt, build, expand, or renovate facilities for sustaining ministry, increasing the Foundation’s gross loan portfolio from $27.9 million in 2018 to $43.5 million in 2023. “Jim’s steadfast faith, humility, and commitment to serving Christ while providing outstanding customer service are just a few of the core values that guide his daily work,” said Rev. Keith E. Lawder, retired President and CEO of the Foundation. “A valued team member, Jim will be greatly missed for his professional and personal contributions to the Foundation, the Methodist Church, and the local community.”
Jim adds, “After I retired from a successful banking career, Rev. Keith Lawder approached me about serving as the Director of Lending for the Georgia United Methodist Foundation. I was very familiar with the Foundation and felt this was God’s calling to use my skills to further serve and expand His kingdom. I was blessed to serve as the Director of Lending for over six years. During that time, I was able to meet with the leaders of so many great churches throughout Georgia. The Foundation’s purpose is to assist churches in further expanding their mission and ministry, and we were able to help churches accomplish that by providing financing for numerous projects. I will cherish the friendships I developed forever. Additionally, the Foundation team is like family and works to support each other as we serve churches and individuals. My sincere thanks for the past six years and best wishes to Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Coppedge-Henley, our new President and CEO, and the entire Foundation staff for continued success.”
A native of Charlotte, NC, Jim has lived in Alpharetta, Georgia with his wife, Kathie, since 1997. He was the Founder and CEO of KeyWorth Bank based in Johns Creek, Georgia. Following KeyWorth’s merger with Renasant Bank, Jim served as the Chairman of the North Georgia Region for Renasant Bank until his retirement in July 2017.
Jim has held leadership positions with NCNB (Bank of America) and was President & COO of Ironstone Bank, an affiliate of First Citizens Bank. He has a broad range of banking and leadership experience with a strong focus on retail and commercial banking, mortgage banking, real estate lending, credit structuring, and marketing.
Jim has been active in the various communities where he has lived. He served 12 years on the Summit Counseling Center Board and is President Emeritus of the North Fulton Community Charities Board. In addition, he is a past Board of Trustee of his United Methodist district.
Jim and Kathie have two grown daughters and five grandchildren. After his retirement he plans to play golf, travel, and visit family.
